Individuals studying nursing in the United States (U.S.) come from many countries and multiple ethnicities. Nursing faculty in the U.S., being predominantly Caucasian, frequently encounter students that are culturally different from themselves. Faculty may not be cognizant of cultural variances and therefore may be ill-prepared to mentor, encourage and guide these diverse students. The proposed research intends to explore the experience of being a nursing student in the Middle East, specifically nursing students in Jordan. The study is significant because understanding the lived experience of nursing students in Jordan may provide educators an insight into the lives, potential challenges and social influences experienced by Middle Eastern nursing students studying in the U.S.
A clear gap in this area of research is noted. There are only four indentified studies related to Middle Eastern nursing students. Of the four studies two included undergraduate students and two assessed graduate students. The authors identified challenges related to loneliness, finances, social customs and values. None of the identified studies were current or described the lived experience of Middle Eastern or Jordanian undergraduate nursing students in the context of Jordan (Abu-Saad & Kayser-Jones, 1982; DeLuca, 2005; McDermott-Levy, 2011).
The participants will be in their final semester/s of an undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program while attending the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan. Six months have been funded for the researcher to teach in the school of nursing and complete data collection. Two methods will be used to collect data from the participants; semi-structured focus groups and personal narratives. Eight questions will guide both the focus group and personal narrative. The eight questions include:
- What is it like to be a nursing student?
- Why do you want to be a nurse?
- What are your challenges?
- How is your family involved in your nursing education?
- How are nurses viewed in your community?
- What will it be like to be a nurse working in the hospital or clinic?
- What else do you think is important for me to know about being a nursing student?
- What do you think it is like to be a nursing student and a nurse in the U.S.?
Demographic information including age, gender, GPA, dependents, employment status, first generation college status and marital status will be collected from each participant. Qualitative data analysis will be conducted using Hycner’s Explication Process.
This research will be beneficial to nursing education for several reasons. Nursing educators will have an opportunity to increase their understanding of the needs and challenges of Middle Eastern nursing students. Faculty will have a chance to expand their understanding of Middle Eastern traditions. Educators’ may discover a new found appreciation for Middle Eastern nursing students and finally this research may help to allay fears and anxiety related to the Middle Eastern culture.